Pediatrician Alicia Pekarsky, MD, explains the principles of discipline and why spanking — though legal in New York — is never a good idea. Recent studies have shown that corporal punishment is ineffective and linked to aggression, poor mental health and antisocial behavior.

Joseph Marotta was a healthy kindergartner when he contracted — and died from — the H1N1 flu. Today his parents advocate for influenza vaccination through the organization, Families Fighting Flu. Hear their story, and hear from infectious disease expert, Dr. Jana Shaw in this heartbreaking interview.

Researcher and psychiatrist Stephen Faraone, PhD, helps us understand Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), one of the most common childhood disorders that can continue through adolescence and adulthood. Faraone is an international expert in ADHD research, and distinguished professor of Psychiatry and of Neuroscience & Physiology at Upstate Medical University.

Margaret Nellis, MS, CCLS, manager of the Child Life Program at Upstate, will explain how the animal assisted activities program at Upstate brings smiles and comfort to young patients at Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital. Nellis is joined by animal assisted activities volunteer Cindy Griffith and her therapy dog Sabastian, an adorable 10 year old toy poodle.

To participate, dogs of varied breeds are screened by a veterinarian, and are Canine Citizenship Certified. All pet owners are processed through the Upstate Volunteer Department and the Child Life Program for an interview and orientation. PAWS of CNY.